SAUGUS — Saugus schools will follow a hybrid model of both in-person and remote learning when students head back to class this fall.
The School Board unanimously voted in favor of the combination plan — which was created using feedback from staff and families — after it was unveiled by Superintendent David DeRuosi at Tuesday’s School Committee meeting.
“Nothing at this moment in time makes me believe that coming back full-tilt is doable by my standpoint,” DeRuosi said. “The hybrid model works for us. I think it would ease some parents’ minds, it would definitely be more palatable to teachers, and I don’t think much is going to change (until then).”
An 18-page document detailing the plan includes three instructional models — in-person, hybrid, and remote learning — that follow guidelines initially laid out by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in June.
Under Saugus’ hybrid model, students would be divided by surname into two cohorts (Cohort A and Cohort B) to attend in-person classes for part of the school week, while learning remotely for the remainder of the week.
Mondays would be devoted entirely to remote learning for both cohorts, during which teachers and staff would be expected to check-in with classes, as well as devote time to individual and grade-level/department planning.
“We’re in a better place than we were on March 13,” DeRuosi said. “I think we’ve learned a lot. I know teachers want to come back, I know they’re concerned … (but) our goal right now is to work with the unions, give them what they need from us, set up safe environments, and go slow to go fast.”
Saugus’ preferred model must now be submitted to DESE for approval. Once feedback is received, the committee will once again vote to finalize the plan August 10.
In a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon, School Board Chair Thomas Whittredge warned parents that a final decision may not be made until August 15.
“As of now, we are not sure what or when the first day (of school) will look like,” he said. “DESE’s recommendations change weekly. All we can do is change with them so we can find the safest and healthiest way to educate your kids.”
